A SHORT HISTORY OF THE
WESTERN KENTUCKY BOTANICAL GARDEN
1993-present
In 1993 a Master Gardener’s class in Daviess County, Kentucky dreamed of creating a botanical garden. Pursing this dream Dr. and Mrs. William Tyler donated approximately 8.5 acres to the City of Owensboro for the start of the garden and the 501(c)(3) organization was born and named the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden. A few years later another acre was purchased to create a separate entrance to the Garden.
Under the guidance of the Board of Directors and many local horticultural professionals and enthusiasts, The Garden has become a center for the growth and display of hundreds of outstanding plant selections as well as a beautiful location for social gatherings, weddings, receptions and meetings. Special events, educational tours, and classes are provided for all ages and a library reference center serves the community with information on plant life. The Garden demonstrates practical solutions to the gardening problems of our region.
Educational programs have been developed for seniors, area schools and groups such as the Girl Scouts, homeschool kids, preschool kids, etc. Botanical, horticultural, and environmental information is offered through our newsletter, library, special events and classes.
An 1890s Country Doctor’s Office was moved to The Garden in 2006 and is located in the Fruit and Berry Garden. This building is being preserved for displays to show the use of herbal medicines at the time the building was in use during the late 1890s and early 1900s.
In late 2020, The Garden purchased WeatherBerry, a historic home built in 1840, and the adjoining 4 acres. Starting in March 2022, WeatherBerry will be home to The Garden's Welcome Center and will include a small gift shop.
The Garden has thirteen themed gardens including the Moonlite Children’s Garden sponsored by the Bosley family. The Bill and Marilyn Young Educational Classroom provides a space for educational opportunities. The Playhouse In The Garden in honor of Morton Holbrook is providing great fun for children at The Garden. Not only does The Garden provide essential "quality of life" benefits to our community, it serves as an important tourism driver for the economy.
Come visit and watch The Garden continue to grow.
Under the guidance of the Board of Directors and many local horticultural professionals and enthusiasts, The Garden has become a center for the growth and display of hundreds of outstanding plant selections as well as a beautiful location for social gatherings, weddings, receptions and meetings. Special events, educational tours, and classes are provided for all ages and a library reference center serves the community with information on plant life. The Garden demonstrates practical solutions to the gardening problems of our region.
Educational programs have been developed for seniors, area schools and groups such as the Girl Scouts, homeschool kids, preschool kids, etc. Botanical, horticultural, and environmental information is offered through our newsletter, library, special events and classes.
An 1890s Country Doctor’s Office was moved to The Garden in 2006 and is located in the Fruit and Berry Garden. This building is being preserved for displays to show the use of herbal medicines at the time the building was in use during the late 1890s and early 1900s.
In late 2020, The Garden purchased WeatherBerry, a historic home built in 1840, and the adjoining 4 acres. Starting in March 2022, WeatherBerry will be home to The Garden's Welcome Center and will include a small gift shop.
The Garden has thirteen themed gardens including the Moonlite Children’s Garden sponsored by the Bosley family. The Bill and Marilyn Young Educational Classroom provides a space for educational opportunities. The Playhouse In The Garden in honor of Morton Holbrook is providing great fun for children at The Garden. Not only does The Garden provide essential "quality of life" benefits to our community, it serves as an important tourism driver for the economy.
Come visit and watch The Garden continue to grow.